For nearly 50 years, Oakwood Creative Care has been the East Valley’s home to an innovative approach to daytime engagement for older adults living with dementia or other cognitive and physical challenges. Over the years and with ongoing research, Oakwood has found adult day services to be an open pathway for older adults to remain at home with their families for as long as possible while granting some much-needed daytime respite for their caregivers. So then begs the question: how exactly do adult day care facilities serve our community’s seniors, and what benefits do they hail? Below are the top five benefits older adults experience when attending adult day care facilities.

1. Social Engagement & Reduced Isolation

One of the biggest challenges older adults face is social isolation, which can lead to depression and cognitive decline. Although our brains and bodies may age, our hearts never grow out of the desire to feel close and connected to someone.

With this in mind, Adult day care centers like Oakwood combat isolation by offering a structured environment where seniors can interact with peers and engage in group activities that are both stimulating and age-appropriate.

2. Physical Health Benefits

Physical activity is another core component of most adult day care programs. All of Oakwood’s adult day locations offer members the choice to enjoy various exercise routines to help get their hearts and muscles pumping. Why? Research shows that regular physical activity is linked to improved balance, mobility, and overall physical health – a definite must for all older adults!

3. Improved Cognitive Function

Many adult day care centers offer activities that stimulate cognitive function, such as puzzles and memory games. Oakwood’s adult day care facilities like to take things a step further by encouraging engagement with literal hands-on approaches, such as art, woodworking, drum circles, dance exercises, and more.

Science shows that participating in such activities helps maintain brain health, potentially slowing the progression of dementia and other cognitive disorders while also promoting memory and problem-solving skills.

4. Caregiver Support & Respite

For family caregivers, adult day care provides invaluable respite, which is a chance to break away from caregiving duties so they can take care of their own needs. Caring for a loved one can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Yet, by attending a day program, loved ones can receive care from trained professionals, allowing their caregivers time to rest, manage personal obligations, and avoid the risks of burnout.

5. Personalized Care Plans

No two individuals are the same, which is why Oakwood’s adult day care centers work with each member’s caregiver and family to create a personalized care plan that caters to their unique situation.

Whether it’s assistance with medication management, help with daily activities (such as showering), or specialized support for those with chronic conditions, these tailored plans ensure that every older adult who enters the facility receives the proper care at the right time.